Pipe carrying clamp



Get. 13, 1953 c KELSQ 2,655,401

PIPE CARRYING CLAMP Filed Aug. 23, 1948 INVENTOR. Wane/me 1.. Ke/ao Patented Oct. 13, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PIPE GARRYIN G CLAMP Clarence L. Kelso, Oilton, Okla.

Application August 23, 1948, Serial No. 45,696

5 Claims.

This invention relates to equipment for handling materials and particularly cylindrical objects such as relatively large, heavy pipe, the primary object being to provide a. clamp adapted for connection with the usual lifting means in the nature of swingable booms or other hoisting structures.

The most important object of this invention is to provide a pipe carrying clamp having a pair of relatively shiftable frame members provided with a pair of opposed work-engaging jaws movable toward and from each other into and out of clamping relationship with the pipe to be lifted respectively as the frame members are relatively shifted.

Another object of this invention is to provide a pipe carrying clamp wherein the above-mentioned jaws are pivotally mounted on one of the frame members adjacent one end thereof for swinging movement toward and away from each other and so connected to the other of the frame members for controlling the extent of such swinging motion.

Another object of this invention is to provide a pipe carrying clamp wherein the frame members are guided in a substantially rectilinear path of travel, the aforesaid jaws having their points of swinging movement also disposed for such straight movement along with the frame member to which they are attached and provided further with guiding means disposed at an angle to the path of travel of the frame members to the end that the jaws are swung toward and away from each other as the frame members are shifted relatively.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a swingable arm so disposed and mounted upon one of the frame members for manually holding the frame members apart with the jaws thereof in clamping relationship to a pipe to permit rolling of such pipe as desired.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a continuous cable mounted upon one of the frame members and supported by the other of said frame members for facilitating releasing of the clamp when the same is resting in a position where releasing is not automatic.

A still further object is to provide a manual releasing means for holding the frame members in a position with the jaws thereof spread apart for receiving the pipe to be handled.

Another object is to provide means on one of the frame members for guiding the entire ape paratus away from obstructions such as the sides of a ditch when the same is lowered thereinto.

Other more minor objects of this invention will be made clear or become apparent as the following specification progresses, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a pipe carrying clamp made in accordance with the present invention, parts being broken away and in sec tion to reveal details of construction and showing the clamp in an operative position upon a cylindrical member to be handled.

Fig. 2 is an edge elevational view of the clamp illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 partially in elevation and partially in section showing the clamp in an open position prior to mounting upon a pipe; and

Fig. 4 is an edge elevational view similar to that shown in Fig. 2 showing the clamp in the position of Fig. 3 of the drawing.

It is realized that clamps have heretofore been made and placed in use for handling relatively heavy objects particularly in the field of pipeline construction capable of attachment to a crane or the like for unloading the pipe, carrying the same to a point of use and lowering the same into a ditch provided therefor. For the most part, however, such clamps have not been entirely satisfactory because of the difficulties encountered in not positively clamping the pipe, resulting in accidents and time delay because of slippage; have not been capable of easily and quickly releasing themselves from the pipe being handled; and incapable generally for fulfilling the objects above set forth.

The improved clamp shown in the drawing and about to be described is of sturdy construction, relatively inexpensive to manufacture and entire capable of use over long periods of time without faulty operation in any way.

The clamp includes a pair of relatively shift able frame members broadly designated by the numerals l0 and 12 respectively. The frame member [0 is sectional and constitutes a pair of spaced apart identical segments 14 and I6. These segments I4 and I6 are both crescentshaped and secured together intermediate the ends thereof by a laterally projecting ring I8 adapted to receive the hook or other fastening means forming a part of the crane or other hoisting device with which the clamp is to be used.

The hook I8 is welded as at 20 or otherwise suitably secured rigidly to the segments l4 and [6 of frame member ID. The frame member I2 is, also, crescent-shaped and conforming substantially to the contour of the frame member ID and disposed for free, shiftable movement between the segments l4 and I6 and relative thereto.

A transverse slot 22 that is normally disposed with its longitudinal axis on a vertical plane is formed in the frame member l2 intermediate the ends thereof. This. slot 22 of frame member 12 receives a bolt or the like 24 that interconnects the two segments 14 and I6 of frame member In near the innermost edge of the latter and in dia -r metrically opposed relationship to the loop or ring l8. Thus, the slot 22, the bolt 24 and t-hering [8; are in substantial alignment as is clear in Fig 1 of the drawing. The segments l4 and [6 of frame member ID are provided with apair of normally vertical slots 26 and 28, such slots of 0118 segment I4 being in alignment with like slots 26 and l 28 in the segment 16. These four slots 26 and 23 are disposed within the legs of the segments [4 and IS in spaced relationship to the free ends of such legs and with-their longitudinal axes insub-' stantial parallelism with the slot 22 of frame member l2.

A pair of bolts 39 and 32 pass through the openings 26 and 28; respectively, of frame memher such bolts 39 and 32 being freely slidable within slots 26 and 28 in the same manner as bolt 24 is mounted Within the slot 22.

A pair of opposed jaws broadly designated by the numerals 34 and 36, respectively, are disposed adjacent the free ends of the legs of frame members. H3 and] 2, said jaws 34 and 36-being of identical nature and including a plate 38 -and a pair of spaced-apart arms 46' projecting laterally from one face thereof. As is clear in Fig.. 1 of the drawing, the plates 38-are both arcuate in cross section to substantially conformto the contour of a pipe or other cylindrical member 42 to be-handied by the apparatus, as will hereinafter be made clear.

The arms 46 extend from the normally rearmost face of the-respective plates-38- and are provided with aligned openings adjacent one end thereof for pivotal-1y receiving eitherthe bolt or the bolt-32, as the case may be.

As illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawing, the distance between the arms-4'6 is greater than the over-all width'of the frame-member 1-6, the latter being disposed between the arms 40 and the bolts 3fl and 32 passing through the frame mem-- ber I' 2,,as shown in Fig. 1. It is thus seen that the frame members Ill and-i2 are-relatively shiftable and, as the frame member 12 moves to and from a position between-the segments t4 and"; of frame member 16:, thesamewill be guided in asubstantially straight path of travel by bolts 24, 3Band 32 freely sliding within their respective slots 22, 26 and 28. It is seen that the jaws 34 and 36 are swingable upon the bolts 30 and 32, respectively, and, by virtue of such bolts 30 and 3 2, jaws 34- and 36 are shiftablewith the frame member 12 to which they are secured. Accord-- ingly, that porti'on'of' the jaws 34 and 36 next ad jacenttheir respective bolts 36 and 32 move throughrectilinear parallel paths: oftravel as the frame members 1'0 and 12 arerelatively shifted. The arms 48' of the jaw members 34' and 36 are, also, provided with aligned, angularly disposed slots 44 and 46,1-espectively'.

These slots 44 and 46 are disposed intermediate the ends of the arms 4i): and adjacent that end thereof opposite to the pivotal points 30 and 32 These angularly disposed slots-- 44 and 46- receive the. normally lowermost. end of slot 22,

4 bolts 48 and 50, respectively, for free sliding movement therein. Bolts 48 and 50 pass through both of the segments 14 and i6 adjacent the free ends of the legs thereof, as clearly illustrated in the drawing. It is seen, therefore, that the free ends of the legs of the frame member l2 extend but a short distance between the arms 40 of jaws 34 and 36, whereas the free ends of the legs of segments l4 and i3 projectbeyondframe member l2 to a point near thenormallylowermost free end of jaws 34 and 36.

As the frame members l0 and 12 are relatively shifted, moving the bolts 30 and 32 and conseq-uentlya portion of jaws 34 and 36 through ,substantially straight paths of travel, the lowermost ends of the jaws 34 and 36 will swing toward and awayt'- from each other as the same pivot upon the bolts 30 and 32, respectively. The disposition of the slots 44 and 45 for receiving bolts 48 and 50, respectively, controls such swinging movementof jaws- 34 and.36.a.

Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing illustrate. the. position-of the jaws 3'4. and 36 in clampingsrelaticnship with the outermost. surface of pipe. when the frame member 12 is: at the normallylowen most end of its path of travel with respect to the frame member ID.

Figs. 3 and t of the drawing show the. wayin which the/jaws 3.4 and tfi are disposed in spaced apart relationship for receiving-the pipe.- 432. when the frame member [2 is: at. the normally uppermost end of its path of travel between thensegev ments i l and. i6 of frame member HI.

A relatively short. slot-52 is formedin theses--- ment M of frame member I2 betweenthering: I 8: and. the transverse. bolt 24.. This slot 52Lhas: its longitudinal axis in alignment: with the longitudi-l nal axis of the. slot- 22 and. is. disposed to receive one end ofv a. dog 5.4' that is swingably mounted upon a pair of out-turnedears 56cm. theiouter-i most f ace. of the. segment. Thedog. 54'lhas. alaterally projecting leg 58: intermediate the. ends thereof and projecting from the normally lowermost face thereofl. This: leg 58 is.- disposed between the ears 56 and a pivot .pin. Bttpasses through the ears 5.6 andthe leg 53;: Accordingly, the: dog 54 1s swingable from. .the position illustrated in Figs. 1- and 2' of the drawing to. that shownirr Fi'gs. 3 and. 4' of the drawing through slot 52, where. the innermost end thereof passes into the slot 22 of frame. member l2 and holdsthe latter against downward movement with'respect to. frame member .lflathe, uppermost. end of the slot- 22 resting directly upon the. dog.- 54;

Fig. 1 of the drawing shows the F-shaped contour of dog 54, causing the same to maintain the position, of Fig; 4 by resting directly upon the outermost face of segment I4 A continuous: cable 62 .is: mounted upon the frame-members; I6 and [2. The.- outermost faces of both segmentsv l4 I26, are provided with-a pair of spaced-apart loops 64 and a pair of spaced-apart rollers 6.6 are mountedon opposed faces, oftheframe.- member 1-2; adjacent theine nermost edge, thereof and in close proximity; to.-

Cable 62 shdably passes through all. four oftheloops 64 on frame member [0 and around. the pair-of rollers 66 on both sides of the framamember l2. An elongated, longitudinally arcuate armi68. is disposed between the segments l4 andlfi of frame member. l0" andpivotally securedthereto, as at 10, intermediate the ends of the arm 68, is provided with a handle 12 'at' the outermost free end thereof. Arm--68 normallyrestsin the posi' t1onshown in fulllines of Figs: l, 2 and 3' and is swingable to and from a position where the innermost end thereof engages the proximal uppermost edge of frame member l2, as shown by dotted lines inFig. 1. The free ends of the frame member l2 are each provided with a substantially L-shaped projection 14 that extends outwardly from the frame member ID and downwardly to terminate in spaced relationship to the proximal ends of the frame member In in either of the positions of Fig. 1 or 3. V

In operation, the entire clamp assembly is liftedand carried by a crane or the like connecting directly with the loop 18. With the clamp normally in the position shown in Fig. 3 of the drawing, the same is lowered toward the pipe 42 to be lifted or otherwise handled thereby and, as the lowermost edge of the frame member l2 engages and rests upon the pipe 14, the inherent weight of the clamp assembly will automatically release the dog 54. In other words, with frame member l2 resting upon the pipe 42, the frame member II] will continue its downward movement, thereby moving the dog 54 downwardly with respect to the uppermost end of slot 22 and dog 54 will swing by the action of gravity to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2. As the clamp assembly is actuated to move frame member ID upwardly with respect to frame member [2, the jaws 34 and 36 will automatically move toward each other and into clamping relationship with the pipe 42, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. As continued upward movement is exerted upon the frame member [0, the jaws 34 and 36 will move tightly, engaging the pipe 42 and the latter will be lifted together with the clamp for movement to desired positions.

oftentimes, it becomes necessary, while handling the pipes 42, to rotate the same for purposes such as disposing seams at a desired position or for purposes of welding or otherwise working upon such pipe 42. Such rolling action can be imparted to the pipe 42 by use of the arm 68. The clamp assembly is moved toward the position illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawing but with the same rotated slightly from the true vertical position shown in Fig. 1. In other words, the clamp assembly is positioned upon the pipe 42 with one of the jaws 34 or 36 disposed lower than the other jaw and then the operator grasps handle 12 and swings the arm 68 to the dottedline position shown in Fig. 1. By holding arm 68 in such a position, forcing the frame member l0 and I2 apart and in the position shown in Fig. 1, and simultaneously lifting the entire assembly by means of the loop l8, the operator can roll pipe 42 to the position desired. By manipulating the arm 68 and through continued steps of regripping pipe 42, continued rolling movement may be imparted thereto. To release the clamping assembly from gripping engagement with the pipe 42, the frame member ID is permitted to move downwardly until the dog 54 can be manually swung into the position illustrated by Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawing. Oftentimes, however, particularly when the pipe 42 is lowered in a ditch, large clots of dirt and mud upon which the jaws 34 and 36 are resting, will prevent such releasing. The operator then may merely release the crane hook from loop [6 and place the same around the upstanding loops of cable 62 and, when this cable 62 is moved upwardly, frame member l2 will be drawn to the position between segments l4 and [6, thereby releasing jaws 34 and 36.

Another difiiculty that is often encountered when clamp assemblies of this character are lowered' into a ditch for receiving a pipe 42 or for placing the latter within such ditch, lies in the way in which the assembly strikes the wall of such ditch and preventing operating of the assembly as desired. Accordingly, the down-turned, substantially L-shaped projections 14 on the frame member [2 are provided to deflect the entire assembly when the same comes into contact with such walls. These projections 14, obviously, will operate to guide the clamp assembly away from any obstruction that might prevent easy movement of the clamp to and from a position for handling the pipes 42. i

It is apparent from the foregoing that a material-handling apparatus has been provided that will meet virtually all conditions encountered in the field and will save time and labor in the handling of such otherwise clumsy and bulky materials.

It is manifest that such changes and modifications as fairly come within the scope of the appended claims are contemplated hereby.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. Material handling apparatus comprising a pair of relatively shiftable frame members; a pair of opposed jaws mounted on one of said frame members, at least one of said jaws being swingable on said one frame member toward and from the other jaw; means connecting said one jaw and the other of said frame members for controlling the swinging movement of said one jaw as the members are relatively shifted; and means for guiding the said one jaw at the point of swinging movement thereof on the one frame member through a predetermined path of travel as the frame members are relatively shifted, said means for controlling the swinging movement of said one jaw comprising structure for guiding a portion thereof remote from said point of swinging movement in a path of movement at an angle to said path of travel.

2. Material handling apparatus comprising a pair of relatively shiftable frame members; a pair of opposed jaws movably mounted on one of said frame members; and means connecting the jaws and the other of said frame members for moving a portion of the jaws through one path of travel and another portion of the jaws through a second path of travel toward and away from each other as the frame members are relatively shifted, said means including a slot formed in said other frame member for each jaw respectively and a pin pivotally interconnecting each jaw with said one frame member and slidable within the proximal slot.

3. Material handling apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said one frame member includes a pair of spaced elements, said other frame member being reciproca-bly mounted for movement between said elements.

4. Material handling apparatus comprising a pair of relatively shiftable frame members; a pair of opposed jaws movably mounted on one of said frame members; and means connecting the jaws and the other of said frame members for moving a portion of the jaws through one path of travel and another portion of the jaws through a second path of travel toward and away from each other as the frame members are relatively shifted, said means including a slot formed in said other frame member for each jaw respectively and a slot in each of said jaws respectively, there being pins slidable in the slots for interconnecting the jaws and the frame members.

1 5. -Matenia1 handling. apparatus; comprising? .-a pair of? re1ative1y.-sh-ifta;b1e frame -membens; a pain of opposed javsiswmoxrably mounted on one of 'said frame-members; and; means connecting theja-ws-anfi -the-othe1: oil said: frame members 0 to: moving apportion ofi the -jaws 'thnoughi one patheof traive1 and another portion Oi-the jaws thraug-h. a second .path of travel toward. and away from' each: other. ashthe framemembers ane==re1ative1yshif-ted, said-i. means including a slotformed in said; other; frame member vfer each jaw-"respectively and a; slot-in each. ofsaid-jaws respectively, there being pins-,slidable in-zthe slots 8 for interconnecting the iawsandthe frame meme beers, said .slots\ in thewjaws being relatively. iiidined.

CLARENCE L; KEIJSOJ.v

Biefemences Cited'l-in the fileof this. patent" UNITED STATES PATENTS Mernylees Otl 6,1942 

